Jessie Lee Rose, Sr.

Jessie Lee Rose, Sr., age 72, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 1:10 am on Monday November 25, 2024, at his residence after an 18 month battle with leukemia. Born on July 2, 1952, in Evarts, Kentucky, he was the son of Jess C. Rose and Nancy Lee (Sanders) Lay.

Jessie attended Evarts Schools in Kentucky and Northside High School in Fort Wayne.

He worked hard as a welder at Steel Tank & Fabricating Corporation (STAFCO), Columbia City, and retired after 39 years.

Jessie enjoyed camping at Jellystone, Pierceton, wintering in Florida at Fort Myers Beach for many years, fishing, woodworking, and was an avid junk collector. Family was very important to Jessie, and he made it a point to make it to all family activities. Jessie never knew a stranger and was always willing to help someone in need.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Margaret “Maggie” Rose of Columbia City; children Samantha (Paul) Coburn of South Whitley and Jessie (Christi) Rose, Jr. of Pierceton; grandchildren Braxton Coburn, Brookelynn Coburn, Braydon Coburn, Vivian Gaerte, Gracelyn Rose, and Jorja Rose; siblings William “Pete” Lay of Fort Myers, FL, Patricia Phipps of Taylors, S.C., Loretta Santaiti of North Beach, MD, and Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Oakman and John Rose, Sr., both of Fort Wayne; sisters-in-law Marti (Jim) Steele of Columbia City and Patricia Hefley of Indianapolis.

He was preceded in death by his father Jess Rose, mother Nancy Lay, brother Lonnie Lay, and sister-in-law Diana Wyland.

Friends may call on Friday November 29, 2024, from 5:00-8:00 pm at DeMoney Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.

Funeral services for Jessie will be held at 9:00 am on Saturday November 30, 2024, at the funeral home.

Burial will follow in Eberhard Cemetery, Columbia City.

Memorial contributions in memory of Jessie may be made towards his final expenses.

Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or to sign the online guest register.